Tibial growth plate vascularization is inhibited by the dithiocarbamate pesticide thiram in chickens: potential relationship to peripheral platelet counts alteration

The widespread use of thiram has raised concerns for health and its toxic effects, but the underlying toxicity mechanism on platelets and bones is poorly defined. Here, we found a significant increase in the number of platelets in chickens with the thiram intake, due to the increased expression of thrombopoietin mRNA in the dysfunction liver. Furthermore, the decreased vascular distribution and cell death of chondrocytes in the tibial growth plates (TGPs) were observed, resulting in bone growth inhibition, which is associated with the abnormal activation of platelets leading to the extraordinary decrease of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and angiopoietin-1 protein were released and their corresponding receptors VEGFR2 and Tie-2 expressions were also reduced in the TGPs. Taken together, these findings revealed that thiram has an adverse effect on bones and platelets, which may have a high risk of thrombosis and osteoarthritis.